Author: Kylie Davis

Market dynamics favour more deals in 2025

The Kiwi property market enters 2025 in an environment of falling interest rates, new lending rules, economic challenges and an increasing number of properties coming onto the market. It’s a lot to take in. After a tough couple of years for upsizers and aspiring first homebuyers, our real estate scene is finally loosening up thanks…
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10 tips for hosting a romantic Valentine’s dinner

If there’s “Someone Special” in your life, then it’s pretty certain you’re already starting to think about how you can make Valentine’s Day truly magical. Flowers – preferably roses, coloured red – and a lovely card have become prerequisites for the love-struck guy.  But it doesn’t have to be the man who has to make…
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Home values rose average $38,000 in 2024, says research

Everyone seeking to enter the Australian property market in 2025 will be paying closer attention than ever to the fortunes of local real estate. A mixture of economic uncertainty, low unemployment and labour shortages, together with anticipated interest rate cuts and a federal election, will all have an influence on the 2025 market. We ended…
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Here’s how you can minimise your housework

With so many people juggling priorities and trying to make ends meet, is it time to consider evaluating the value of your time against the cost and of hiring a cleaner for your home? New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics says that almost 1 million of us – 974,000 – report having second…
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Eleven items to declutter and reclaim your bathroom

Does your bathroom look like a bomb has hit it? It’s amazing how many owners will show an agent around their home when they’re ready to sell, and apologise profusely for the state of the bathroom. Like the kitchen, the bathroom is used so often throughout the day that it’s easy for the area to…
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Housing approvals drop 3.6%, indicating rising values and no rent relief

If you’re seeking to understand the long-term picture for Australian property – either to sell or invest in the months ahead – a good indicator is the building approval data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). While the numbers often fluctuate from month to month, the ABS reports give you a solid trend over…
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Five paint styles for 2025’s fashionable kitchens

Buyer priorities tend to change with the fashion, but the Big Three are unmovable – location, bedroom count and size of the property. A recent survey by the real estate portal Domain also found: Gen Z wants lots of  bedrooms (18%) and a shorter commute (14%). Millennials desire a freestanding home (28%) with a backyard…
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Rents rises hit the wall, but there’s upside for investors

This could be a moment of consolidation for investors as new data shows the stellar, post-Covid growth in rental income is coming to an abrupt end. Instead, investors seeking to expand their portfolios should be looking at the prospects of capital growth.  And, if you’re in the market to add another property to your portfolio,…
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Is there a future for the humble dining room?

In real estate, we’re all about maximising the space of our homes.  Today, with home values at record levels, it’s never been more important than to make the most of every square metre. When you’re selling your home, agents will encourage you to ensure each room, and every nook, has a purpose. Otherwise, buyers will…
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Thinking of selling? An autumn deal could be perfect timing

With the summer heat still beating down, it feels a little crazy to start thinking about autumn and the cool weather. Yet, that’s what you’ve got to do if you’re planning to sell your home soon. Unless you’re planning on breaking speed records and compromise along the way, it’s probably too late to achieve an…
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